Abstract

Introduction

The aim of this study was to demonstrate the chances of nonoperative therapy in those patients from an unselected population suffering from primary previously untreated squamous cell carcinomas of the oral cavity and the oropharynx who did not seem to be operable.

Patients and methods

Following interdisciplinary counseling and extensive individual discussion, 72 (21%) of 340 consecutive patients (1997–2004) did not or did not reasonably seem to be operable; three other patients with stage II disease refused surgery. Of the inoperable patients, 95%suffered from far-advanced stage IV disease, 8% had distant metastases, 14% had synchronous malignancies, 9% were aged over 85 years combined with advanced malignant disease, and nearly 50% were limited in their activity or were even bedridden. Depending on fitness and tumor extent, three therapy regimens were used: intra-arterial (i.a.) high-dose chemotherapy with systemic antagonization for palliation, induction with this i.a. high-dose chemotherapy followed by additional radiotherapy, and induction with the i.a. high-dose chemotherapy followed by additional radiochemotherapy.

Results

Thirty-two patients were treated with i.a. chemotherapy alone for palliation with few acute side effects. The response rate was 34%, and a further growth of the tumour could be inhibited in 49%. The 1- and 2-year survival rates were 21 and 14%, respectively. The three patients who refused surgery experienced complete clinical remission and survived 8, 6, and 2 years, respectively, to date. Twenty-three patients were fit enough to receive additional radiotherapy, and 17 an additional radiochemotherapy. Of the patients, 22% had to cut short additional radiotherapy and 47% had to discontinue concomitant chemotherapy. The 1- and 2-year survival rates were 41 and 25%, respectively; 14 of these irradiated patients experienced long-lasting complete clinical remission >2 years.

Conclusion

About 20% of the patients classified as inoperable could achieve long-lasting remission. Viewed with caution, sex (male), performance state (ECOG) <3, and positive response to i.a. chemotherapy could be regarded as predictors for therapeutic success. The combination of i.a. chemotherapy and radiochemotherapy seemed to be most successful. Conversely, the therapies offered could not achieve a substantial improvement of survival in 80% of patients classified as inoperable; the most successful therapy combination could be offered to merely 23% of patients as classified inoperable due to reduced general condition. The i.a. high-dose chemotherapy has to be regarded as a well tolerated and effective palliation. This descriptive analysis must be followed by specific studies to establish clinical treatment recommendations.